United Methodists Stand Against Racism

What can you do?

Pray

Ask God to show us the truth of our sin and how we might become agents of God’s justice, mercy, love and re-creation. Cry out to God for guidance. Listen for the voice of Jesus in meditation, Bible study, worship and conversation to guide our ways. Proclaim release, recovery and liberation for the oppressed. 

• The Upper Room has collected resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.
• Prayers for the Healing of a Nation - Discipleship Ministries
• No justice. No peace: Devotion written in response to George Floyd’s murder
• Turning to God in Days of Trouble is a prayer for difficult days.

Connect

Talk to people within and beyond the church who are doing anti-racism well. Ask questions. Listen to and respect diverse voices. Learn how and where racism shows in your community and how others are harmed by its effects. Harness United Methodist and other resources that address institutional racism. 

• The General Commission on Religion and Race offers resources on their R-Squared website.
  • Advent 2020: Seeking Jesus, The Advent of Justice and Peace
• Discipleship Ministries offers some great resources.
• School-to-Prison Pipeline Bible Study by United Methodist Women
• We also have some tips for talking to your children about racism.
• Seek diverse blogs, podcasts, news outlets, and new relationships.

Show up

Be present to the pain of another. Attend a prayer vigil. Join a demonstration. Organize a church school class to read, discuss, and respond to institutional racism. Tell church leaders, community leaders and elected officials that you want to learn and help with dismantling racism in your community.

• Watch our Panel Discussions
• Watch the Worship Service of Lament.
• Watch the Bishops' Juneteenth Announcement. 

Act

Support cross-racial/cross-cultural ministries in your area. Preach and teach about the harm racism does and how it offends our God. Harness the Holy Spirit anointing to rid your congregation and ministry settings of all vestiges of institutional racial bias. Challenge your bishop, mayor, governor, police chief, or other elected officials to encode anti-racism policies and practices. Join the ongoing work for racial justice in the church and world.

• Join Church & Society of the United Methodist Church in their work for civil and human rights.
• Connect with United Methodist Women in their work for racial justice.
• Racial Justice Advocacy Toolkit by United Methodist Women
• Creating Change Together: A Civic Engagement Toolkit from Church & Society
• Suggested Resources for Becoming Anti-Racist: Discipleship Ministries
• Give to The United Methodist Committee on Relief's Community Developers Program.
• Work for justice in your church, community, work and school.